All change

A snapshot review of sustainability and transport across the London 2012 programme

The Commission’sTransport Review praises planning to date from the London 2012 Transport Teams but travel demand management during Games-time will be crucial to avoid impacts on air quality and congestion.

This report is a snapshot review of sustainability and transport for the Games, it provides an overview of the sustainability of the London 2012 transport plans. For the London 2012 transport teams, much of the detailed planning and delivery is ongoing or lies ahead. For this reason, the Commission has provided an overview report and will continue to monitor progress closely.

Key Findings

Overall the Commission welcomes the work of the London 2012 Transport teams. The focus on inclusive public transport for spectators, on minimising carbon emissions from the Olympic fleet and on active travel for all, is impressive.

BMW’s commitment to a fleet average of 120gm CO2km for the Olympic fleet is particularly impressive, ahead of EU targets and current emissions standards.

The Commission welcomes London 2012’s focus on holding a public transport Games, accessible to all but the Commission strongly considers that public transport from outside London to the Games must be affordable.

The plans to encourage spectators to walk or cycle all or part of the way to the 2012 venues are being linked in to wider programmes to increase the number of people walking and cycling.

The Accessible Travel and Active Travel programmes will require continuing resource commitment to work effectively at Games time.

During Games-time travel demand in and around London will need to be carefully managed to minimise any negative effects on air quality.

The Olympic Park will be a low emissions zone, however the effect of idling traffic around the city will need to be closely monitored and action taken to minimise impacts on air quality.

Recommendations

As this is a snapshot review, providing an overview of London 2012 sustainability and transport planning, rather than a full thematic review the Commission has not made any specific recommendations in this report.

The Commission will continue to monitor the developing transport plans very closely and will report any concerns via its reporting and publicly.